Man Found Dead at Arkansas Campsite After Suspected Bear Attack

A man was found dead at a campsite in Arkansas following a suspected bear attack.

Authorities responded to a welfare check request at Sam’s Throne Campground on Thursday, Oct. 2, per a press release from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO). According to the release, the caller stated that his father was camping there, but he had not heard from him “for a couple days.”

A deputy promptly visited the campgrounds, where he located the man’s truck and campsite. 

“The campsite had been disturbed and there was evidence of a struggle and injury. There were also drag marks leading from the campground into the woods,” per the release.

Investigators were called to the site, and they ultimately located the body of the 60-year-old Missouri man “several yards” outside the campsite. 

“The body of the deceased had extensive injuries consistent with those expected from a large carnivore attack,” per the release.

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Additionally, investigators said the victim had sent photos of a “young male bear” near his campsite to his family two days prior on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Sheriff Glenn Wheeler stated that his office cannot definitely state that the man — whose name has not been released at this time — was killed by a bear “until the Arkansas Crime Lab completes the autopsy,” but added that “everything strongly indicates it,” per the release. 

“We are attempting to find the bear and dispose of it so the Game and Fish Commission can test it for anything that may have led to the encounter. We know without a doubt that a bear was in camp with our victim and the injuries absolutely are consistent with a bear attack,” he continued.

He added, “This is a highly unusual case. We are very early in the investigation and search and will update as we can.”

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Wheeler also cautioned campers and hikers in the area to “be aware and use caution, especially with children,” adding that “history tells us that once a bear becomes predatory, it often continues those behaviors.”

The U.S. Forest Service has temporarily closed Sam’s Throne Campground for the safety of the public, per the release.

PEOPLE reached out to the NCSO for comment on Friday, Oct. 3, but did not receive an immediate response.

In a statement to PEOPLE, the U.S. Forest Service said they are “aware that a fatality possibly due to a bear attack occurred on Thursday, Oct. 2” at the campground, and confirmed that the NCSO and Forest Service law enforcement officers “are responding.”

The most recent incident would mark the second fatal bear attack in a month in the state of Arkansas. Vernon Patton, 72, of Franklin County, died after being mauled by a bear while he was spreading gravel on a road.

While speaking to The Arkansas Times, Keith Stephens, chief of communications for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, described the two back-to-back incidents as “bizarre.”

“I don’t even know how to put it into words, to tell you the truth. These things just don’t happen,” he told the outlet. “It just seems so bizarre. It’s not even in my realm of comprehension. I’m really in shock today.”

He added, “Actually, when I was told about it, I thought they were kidding me just to give me a hard time from the last one. It’s obviously not a joking matter, but it just didn’t seem real.” 

PEOPLE reached out to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission on Friday, Oct. 3, but did not receive an immediate response.